WPHHAhttps://wphha.wordpress.com
Non-profit Organization, In-home Nursing, Non-medical Homecare and RehabilitationThu, 22 Feb 2018 04:26:11 +0000enhourly1http://wordpress.com/https://s2.wp.com/i/buttonw-com.pngWPHHAhttps://wphha.wordpress.com
Ensure Seniors Don’t Feel Lonelyhttps://wphha.wordpress.com/2016/03/29/ensure-seniors-dont-feel-lonely/
https://wphha.wordpress.com/2016/03/29/ensure-seniors-dont-feel-lonely/#respondTue, 29 Mar 2016 22:12:38 +0000http://wphha.wordpress.com/?p=359Read More]]>It can be hard for seniors, to acknowledge their feelings of loneliness and isolation especially during holidays when families come together. An invitation to a dinner can make all the difference in their day. If they have difficulty to come for a visit, bring the celebrations to them to ensure that seniors don’t feel lonely.

Seniors Stats

Last year, 28% of Americans aged 65 and over reported feeling severely lonely on a regular basis. That number raised to 45% during the holidays. This statistic is extremely important to be aware of because loneliness is not just an emotional stage, it may lead to distress and impa
ired quality of life. According to Harvard’s research that followed over 44,000 senior-participants, “loneliness was a predictor of functional decline and death.” The death rate of lonely participants was 9% higher than among those seniors who had a spouse or lived with others.
Family gathering for the holidays is the great way to address loneliness in our senior loved ones and to help beat their depression.

Forewarned is forearmed

Seniors’ feeling of loneliness worsens during holiday seasons due to a number of reasons. It is important to understand why seniors feel lonely. Holidays are an emotional time, during which we make life time memories with loved ones. Spending time with them during holidays and making new memories will help them to feel much happier.

Take action!

Follow five easy steps to help your senior family members cope with feeling of loneliness during the holidays:

Spend as much time with them as possible.

Listen when they want to talk.

Remind them that they are an important guest at the party.

Invite their friends to the celebration.

Check on their well-being.

Help your family members to overcome their feeling of loneliness. Make sure your seniors don’t feel lonely during the holidays, celebrate the upcoming memorial day with your loved ones. If you don’t have an opportunity to invite them to this year celebration, use home health care services in your favor. Trained social workers will help your loved ones beat depression and feel better during holiday season. Call WPHHA today or visit our website for more information.

]]>https://wphha.wordpress.com/2016/03/29/ensure-seniors-dont-feel-lonely/feed/0wphhaSeniors Don't feel lonelyLower You Blood Pressure & Improve an Overall Health with the DASH Diethttps://wphha.wordpress.com/2016/02/11/lower-you-blood-pressure-improve-an-overall-health-with-the-dash-diet/
https://wphha.wordpress.com/2016/02/11/lower-you-blood-pressure-improve-an-overall-health-with-the-dash-diet/#respondThu, 11 Feb 2016 19:36:41 +0000http://wphha.wordpress.com/?p=340Read More]]>Ranked the best in the nation for six years in a row,
the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet was originally designed to lower blood pressure. It quickly became clear that the DASH diet had plenty of other benefits too. Low on sodium and rich with nutrients such as potassium, calcium and magnesium, the DASH diet is also effective for weight loss, lowering cholesterol, preventing diabetes, osteoporosis, cancer, heart disease, and stroke.

Why the DASH diet is the best?

The DASH diet has been tried by so many people since it was ranked the best in the nation for the first time in 2009. Positive feedback keeps DASH on the top of other dietary plans. People like the DASH diet because it does not restrict anything (including alcohol), it just encourages healthy portions. The design is easy to follow and leaves open the option for more and more great recipes.

What to eat?

The main idea of the DASH diet is to limit sodium to 2,300 mg per day. Sodium causes your body to retain water. Extra water puts an extra burd
en on your heart and blood vessels and leads to high blood pressure. The DASH diet includes a limited amount of fish, poultry and legumes as well as lots of whole vegetables, fruits, grains, and low-fat dairy products, and small amounts of red meat, sweets and fats. Daily, make sure to consume at least six servings of grains, mostly whole-grains such as whole-wheat bread, cereal or pasta; eight to ten servings of either fruits or vegetables; two to three servings of dairy; no more than three servings of fats and oils; and less than six servings of cooked skinless poultry, seafood lean meat or eggs. Include at least four servings of nuts, seeds and legumes into your weekly routine. Limit your consumption of sweets to five servings a week and alcohol to no more than one drink per day.

Go DASH!

The DASH diet also encourages regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle, including no smoking. DASH is a healthy well-balanced plan that makes you feel better overall. Start following the DASH diet today or check WPHHA blog for other popular diets.

]]>https://wphha.wordpress.com/2016/02/11/lower-you-blood-pressure-improve-an-overall-health-with-the-dash-diet/feed/0DashDietwphhadash-diet-fun-facts.jpgdashWe need your input in the statewide problem!https://wphha.wordpress.com/2016/02/05/we-need-your-input-in-the-statewide-problem/
https://wphha.wordpress.com/2016/02/05/we-need-your-input-in-the-statewide-problem/#respondFri, 05 Feb 2016 19:32:21 +0000http://wphha.wordpress.com/?p=311Read More]]>PENNSYLVANIA-Medical and non-medical home care organizations have suffered from cuts in the 2015-2016 fiscal year budget. With a growing senior citizen population and reduction of state funding it became almost unaffordable for home care agencies to hire home health workers. A mutual effort among home care organizations is needed to find a solution for this statewide issue.

Why is there a Budget Decrease?

There was a six-month budget impasse in the state of Pennsylvania caused by Governor Tom Wolf’s rejection to accept the Republican-crafted budget. An impasse negatively affected nonprofit organizations statewide who were not able to plan for the next fiscal year without a budget.

In December 2014, calling the Republican legislative leaders budget “wrong for Pennsylvania,” Wolf vetoed $7 billion plan for the new fiscal year. This resulted in Pennsylvania accepting only a partial budget.

This partial budget provides a $11.91 billion fund to the Medicaid and Department of Human Services (DHS). Nearly half of DHS’s funding would go to Medical Assistance (MA) that provides health care services for seniors, children, and people with disabilities. By accepting a partial budget, Wolf still increased 2014-2015 DHS budget by 6.2%. However, with the growing number of mentally disabled citizens and seniors this budget will still not be adequate to supply the demand in home health care and non-medical care.

Senior Population Growth

Since 2010, Pennsylvania’s 65+ population has grown by 8.9 percent. In 2014, the senior population of Allegheny county reached 17.4%, or more than 2.1 million people. That number continues to grow and in 2020 may go over 20%. 65+ population growth causes an increase in demand for medical and non-medical home care services. Home care agencies get more business that they can’t afford due to inadequacy in state funding.

What’s the solution?

To bring the spotlight to this statewide problem Klara Brown, the WPHHA Office Manager, interviewed a representative of 24th Legislative district of Allegheny County, Ed Gainey.

Gainey agrees that partial budget of 2015-2016 fiscal year will still NOT be adequate to meet the needs of Allegheny County in-home care providers. According to Gainey, these organizations should have a “year-long dialog” with the state government to “build a bridge” across the state and have the problem solved before the budget has been already accepted and it’s too late.

“We need to have these conversations earlier,” says Gainey. ”It can’t just be on the day of adequacy. That’s not commitment, that’s support. Commitment is saying that we are going to set up meetings four times a year, every other month and really begin to drill down the needs to be more prepared…The problem is the only time that we see the great outpour is when it’s budget season and everyone wants to make sure their money is right.”

Gainey states that if all the parties affected by DHS budget, including homecare organizations, were interacting with the state representatives all year long we wouldn’t have a budget impasse. To increase awareness of this issue please watch and share the WPHHA podcast or get in touch with Ed Gainey Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM (412) 665-5502.

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that travels in the blood in particles called lipoproteins. There are two main types of lipoproteins that can affect overall health: low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). High levels of LDL cholesterol increase the risk of getting a heart disease, while high level of HDL cholesterol decreases chances to get a heart disease. Today, heart disease is a number one killer nationwide.

For the most part there are no obvious signs of high LDL cholesterol. However, symptoms like Angina, heart attack, stroke, or pain while walking caused by an arterial blockage usually warn you of having a high level of LDL cholesterol. If you have any of these symptoms don’t hesitate and check your blood cholesterol today!

TLC

There are five components that contribute to the cholesterol level in our body: diet, weight, physical activity, heredity, age and gender. While we cannot affect the last two, we should take care of the first three variables. There is a three-part program designed by the U.S. National Institute of Health called Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes or TLC. Through a special diet, physical activity, and weight management, you can lower your blood cholesterol level and greatly reduce the risk for heart diseases. The TLC dietary plan ranked second nationwide by the U.S.News. Today, the TLC diet is almost as popular in the U.S. as DASH and Mind dietary plans.

TLC Diet

The TLC Diet restricts animal fats, alcohol and smoking. This diet aims to replace the saturated fats in the body with unsaturated fats by keeping weekly consumption of egg yolks to no more than 2 and daily consumption of skinless chicken, turkey or fish to no more than 5 ounces; as well as daily limit of ½ cup of cooked dry peas or beans; ½ cup of tofu; 2-3 servings of low-fat or nonfat dairy; up to ten servings of fruits and vegetables; and up to 11 servings of bread, cereal, rice, pasta or other grains.

Don’t think TLC diet will be a good fit for you? Check WPHHA blog for more options.

]]>https://wphha.wordpress.com/2016/01/22/lower-cholesterol-levels-with-therapeutic-lifestyle-changes/feed/0balanced-diet-imagewphhaldl_hdl_e.pngbalanced-diet-image.jpgYoga: Refresh Yourself for the New Year!https://wphha.wordpress.com/2016/01/14/yoga-refresh-yourself-for-the-new-year/
https://wphha.wordpress.com/2016/01/14/yoga-refresh-yourself-for-the-new-year/#respondThu, 14 Jan 2016 22:34:42 +0000http://wphha.wordpress.com/?p=281Read More]]>“Yoga is not a religion. It is a science, science of well-being, science of youthfulness, science of integrating body, mind and soul,”

Yoga comes from the Sanskrit root “yuj” that means “to join”, “to unite”, or “to disciplinate.” Originating in India, yoga is a healing spiritual, physical, and mental practice with over 5,000 years of history. The main purpose of this practice is to harmonize the body with mind through a variety of postures, meditation, and breathing techniques.

History of Yoga

The first mention of yoga was found in an ancient Indian collection of Vedic Sanskrit songs, mantras and rituals known as the Rig Veda (1500 B.C.E.). “Vedic Yoga” consisted of ritual sacrifices and ceremonies. Two and a half thousands years later, yoga was described in Bhagavad-Gîtâ (“Song of the Lord”) as the ego sacrifice through self-knowledge, action and wisdom. This practice, known as pre-classical yoga, was a mix of ideas, beliefs and techniques that frequently contradicted each other.

The next era for Yoga development or classical yoga was defined in the Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali in 400 C.E. Patañjali described eight components of yoga that lead to enlightenment. Developed later, post-classical yoga or Tantra Yoga is known for radical cleansing techniques for body and mind. Modern yoga was born in the early nineteenth century.

]]>https://wphha.wordpress.com/2016/01/14/yoga-refresh-yourself-for-the-new-year/feed/08345854037_89fcbbaaae_owphha8345854037_89fcbbaaae_oyoga.jpgA_yoga_namaste_Hindu_culture_religion_rites_rituals_sights.jpgWestern Pennsylvania Home Health Association Awarded Home Care from the Joint Commissionhttps://wphha.wordpress.com/2015/12/22/western-pennsylvania-home-health-association-awarded-home-care-from-the-joint-commission/
Tue, 22 Dec 2015 01:35:20 +0000http://wphha.wordpress.com/?p=257Read More]]>Pittsburgh, PA , December 21st, 2015 Western Pennsylvania Home Health Association today announced that it has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Home Care Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal of Approval® is a symbol of quality that reflects an organization’s commitment to providing safe and effective care.

Western Pennsylvania Home Health Association underwent a rigorous on-site survey in December, 2015. During the survey, compliance with home care standards reflecting key organization areas was evaluated, including the provision of care, treatment and services, emergency management, human resources, individual rights and responsibilities, and leadership. The accreditation process also provided WPHHA with education and guidance to help staff continue to improve its home care program’s performance.

Established in 1988, The Joint Commission’s Home Care Accreditation program supports the efforts of its accredited organizations to help deliver safe, high quality care and services. More than 6,000 home care programs currently maintain accreditation, awarded for a three-year period, by The Joint Commission.

“When individuals engage a home care provider they want to be sure that provider is capable of providing safe, quality care,” said Margherita Labson, RN, M.S., executive director, Home Care Accreditation program, The Joint Commission. “As the home care setting becomes increasingly popular, it is important that home care providers are able to demonstrate that they are capable of providing safe, high quality care. Accreditation by The Joint Commission and the gold seal serve as an indication that the organization has demonstrated compliance to these recognized standards of safe and quality care.”

“WPHHA is pleased to receive accreditation from The Joint Commission, the premier health care quality improvement and accrediting body in the nation,” added Marsha Simonds, Administrator and VP of WPHHA. Staff from across our organization continue to work together to strengthen the continuum of care and to deliver and maintain optimal home care services for those in our community.”

The Joint Commission’s home care standards are developed in consultation with health care experts, home care providers and researchers, as well as industry experts, purchasers and consumers. The standards are informed by scientific literature and expert consensus to help organizations measure, assess and improve performance.

Founded in 1951, The Joint Commission seeks to continuously improve health care for the public, in collaboration with other stakeholders, by evaluating health care organizations and inspiring them to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality and value. The Joint Commission accredits and certifies nearly 21,000 health care organizations and programs in the United States. An independent, nonprofit organization, The Joint Commission is the nation’s oldest and largest standards-setting and accrediting body in health care. Learn more about The Joint Commission at www.jointcommission.org.

]]>GoldSealwphhaThe Secret to Health: Mediterranean Diethttps://wphha.wordpress.com/2015/12/18/the-secret-to-health-mediterranean-diet/
https://wphha.wordpress.com/2015/12/18/the-secret-to-health-mediterranean-diet/#respondFri, 18 Dec 2015 19:15:19 +0000http://wphha.wordpress.com/?p=250Read More]]>The Mediterranean Sea population has one of the lowest chronic disease rates and highest life expectancy rates in the world. This has raised interest among researches over the last century. In the late 1960’s, after years of studying Mediterranean eating habits, Ancel Keys described the features of their diet. Today, the Mediterranean diet is ranked third in popularity in the U.S. and has almost as many followers as Mind Diet and TLC Diet.
Mediterranean Diet

There are several health benefits that the Mediterranean diet is renowned for. Rich in fiber, the Mediterranean diet prevents blood sugar swings as well as aids in digestion, which results in type 2 diabetes risk reduction. Small portions of red meat, unrefined grains, red wine, and unprocessed foods help to prevent heart diseases and stroke. Also, based on lots of fruits and vegetables, the Mediterranean diet lowers cholesterol level and improves blood vessel health, and therefore reduces the risk of dementia or Alzheimer’s. Finally, the diet has a high level of antioxidants, which prevents cells from oxidative stress and results in Parkinson’s disease risk reduction.

A recent study by Swinburne University proved that even a short-term adherence to a Mediterranean diet has a positive effect on psychological functioning. For this study a focus group of 24 women were selected. Part of the group was randomly assigned to follow Mediterranean diet patterns and the rest were asked to keep their usual diet. As a result, the women who followed the Mediterranean diet for 10 days experienced elevation of contentment and alertness, improvement in aspects of cognition, and confusion reduction.

Overall, the Mediterranean diet has a positive effect on the whole body and is worth a try! To learn more about Mediterranean diet and other popular and healthy diets visit the WPHHA blog page.

Everyone feels blue now and then. It’s part of life. But, if you no longer enjoy activities that you usually like, you may have a more serious problem. Feeling depressed without letup can change the way you think and the way you experience emotions. Doctors call this clinical depression.

Being “down in the dumps” over a period of time is not a normal part of getting older. But, it is a common problem, and medical help may be needed. For most people, depression gets better with treatment. Counseling (talk therapy), medicine, or other treatments can ease the pain of depression. You do not need to suffer.

There are many reasons why depression in older people is often missed or untreated. As a person ages the signs of depression vary more than those of a younger person. Sometimes older people who are depressed appear to feel tired, have trouble sleeping, or seem grumpy and irritable. Confusion or attention problems caused by depression can sometimes look like Alzheimer’s disease or other brain disorders. Mood changes and signs of depression can be caused by medicines older people may take for arthritis, high blood pressure, or heart disease. The good news is that people who are depressed usually feel better with the right treatment.

What Causes Depression?

There is no one cause of depression. For some people, a single event can bring on the illness. Depression often strikes people who felt fine but who suddenly find they are dealing with a death in the family. For some people, changes in the brain can affect mood and cause depression. Sometimes, those under a lot of stress, like caregivers, can feel depressed. Others become depressed for no clear reason.

People faced with life-changing health problems, such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, or Parkinson’s disease, may become depressed. They may worry about how the illness will change their lives. They might be tired and unable to cope with things that make them sad. Treatment can help people manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Genetics, too, can play a role. Studies show that depression may run in families. Children of depressed parents may be at a higher risk for depression. Also depression tends to be a disorder that occurs more than once. Many older people who have been depressed in the past will be at an increased risk for becoming depressed again.

What to Look For

How do you know when you need help? After all, as you age, you may have to face problems that could cause anyone to feel depressed. Perhaps you are dealing with the death of a loved one. Maybe you are having a tough time getting used to retirement and feel lonely, or are losing interest in things that used to bring you pleasure.

After a period of feeling sad, older people usually adjust and regain their emotional balance. But, if you are suffering from clinical depression and don’t get help, your depression might last for weeks, months, or even years. If you have several of the following signs of depression and they last for more than 2 weeks, see a doctor.

An “empty” feeling, ongoing sadness, and anxiety

Tiredness, lack of energy

Loss of interest or pleasure in everyday activities, including sex

Sleep problems, including trouble getting to sleep, very early morning waking, and sleeping too much

Eating more or less than usual

Crying too often or too much

Aches and pains that don’t go away when treated

A hard time focusing, remembering, or making decisions

Feeling guilty, helpless, worthless, or hopeless

Being irritable

Thoughts of death or suicide

If you are a family member, friend, or healthcare provider of an older person, watch for clues. Sometimes depression can hide behind a smiling face. A depressed person who lives alone may appear to feel better when someone stops by to say hello. The symptoms may seem to go away. But, when someone is very depressed, the symptoms usually come back.

Don’t ignore the warning signs. If left untreated, serious depression may lead to suicide. Listen carefully if someone of any age complains about being depressed or says people don’t care. That person may really be asking for help.

Getting Help

The first step is to accept that you or your family member needs help. You may not be comfortable with the subject of mental illness. Or, you might feel that asking for help is a sign of weakness. You might be like many older people, their relatives, or friends who believe that a depressed person can quickly “snap out of it” or that some people are too old to be helped. They are wrong.

A healthcare provider can help you Once you decide to get medical advice, start with your family doctor. Your doctor should check to see if your depression could be caused by a health problem (such as hypothyroidism or vitamin B deficiency) or is a side effect of medicine you’re taking. After a complete exam, your doctor may suggest you talk to a mental health worker, for example, a social worker, counselor, psychologist, or psychiatrist. Doctors specially trained to treat depression in older people are called geriatric psychiatrists.

Don’t avoid getting help because you’re afraid of how much treatments might cost. Often, only short-term counseling is needed. Treatment for depression is usually covered by private insurance and Medicare. Also, some community mental health centers may offer treatment based on a person’s ability to pay.

Be aware that some family doctors may not understand about aging and depression. If your doctor is unable or unwilling to help, you may want to talk to another healthcare provider.

Do you have a friend or relative who won’t go to a doctor for treatment? Try explaining how treatment may help the person feel better. In some cases, when a depressed person can’t or won’t go to the doctor’s office, the doctor or mental health specialist can start by making a phone call. A phone call can’t take the place of the personal contact needed for a complete medical checkup, but it might motivate the person to go for treatment.

Treating Depression

Your doctor or mental health expert can often treat your depression successfully. Different therapies seem to work for different people. For instance, Support groups can provide new coping skills or social support if you are dealing with a major life change. Several kinds of talk therapies are useful as well. One method might help you think in a more positive way. Always focusing on the sad things in your life or what you have lost might contribute to depression Another method works to improve your relations with others so you will have more hope about your future.

Getting better takes time, but with support from others and with treatment, you can get a little better each day.

Antidepressant drugs (medicine to treat depression) can also help. These medications can improve your mood, sleep, appetite, and concentration. There are several types of antidepressants available. Some of these medicines are effective in a few weeks while you may need to take others for 2 or 9 months before you begin to feel better. Be sure to take your medicine the way it was prescribed for you. Your doctor may want you to continue medications for 6 months or more after your symptoms disappear.

Some antidepressants can cause unwanted side effects, although newer medicines have fewer side effects. Any antidepressant should be used with great care to avoid this problem. Remember:

The doctor needs to know about all prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, or herbal supplements you are taking.

The doctor should also be aware of any other physical problems you have.

Be sure to take antidepressants in the proper dose and on the right schedule.

If you are still very depressed after trying therapy and/or medication, your doctor can help you choose other treatment options that may work for you.

Help From Family and Friends

Family and friends can play an important role in treatment. They can encourage someone who is depressed to stay with the treatment plan. Or, they may make appointments or accompany their friend or relative to see the doctor or go to a support group.

Be patient and understanding. Ask your relative or friend to go on outings with you or to go back to an activity that he or she once enjoyed. Encourage the person to be active and busy but not to take on too much at one time.

Preventing Depression

What can be done to lower the risk of depression? How can people cope? There are a few steps you can take. Try to prepare for major changes in life, such as retirement or moving from your home of many years. Stay in touch with family. Let them know when you feel sad. Friends can help ease loneliness if you lose a spouse. Consider new hobbies that help keep your mind and body active. If you are faced with a to do, try to break the task into smaller jobs that are easy to finish.

Regular exercise may also help prevent depression or lift your mood if you are somewhat depressed. Older people who are depressed can gain mental as well as physical benefits from mild forms of exercise like walk ing outdoors or in shopping malls. Gardening, dancing, and swimming are other good forms of exercise. Pick something you like to do. Begin with 10-15 minutes a day, and increase the time as you are able. Being physically fit and eating a balanced diet may help avoid illnesses that can brin on disability or depression. Remember, with treatment, most people will begin to feel better. Expect our mood to improve slowly. Feeling better takes time. But, it can happen.

Ever since he retired, Edward dreads going to bed at night. He’s afraid that when
he turns off his light, he will just lie there with his eyes open and his mind racing. “How can I break this cycle?” he asks. “I’m so tired- I need to get some sleep.”

Just like Edward, you want a good night’s rest. Getting enough sleep helps you stay healthy and alert. But many older people don’t sleep well. If you’re always sleepy, it may be time to see a doctor. You shouldn’t wake up every day feeling tired.

Sleep And Aging

Older adults need about the same amount of sleep as young adults-7 to 9 hours each night. But seniors tend to go to sleep earlier and get up earlier than when they were younger. Older people may nap more during the day, which can sometimes make it hard to fall asleep at night.
There are two kinds of sleep-REM (rapid eye movement) sleep and non- REM sleep. We dream mostly during REM sleep and have the deepest sleep during non-REM sleep. As people get older, they spend less time in deep sleep, which may be why older people are often light sleepers.

Sleep Problems

There are many reasons why older people may not get enough sleep at night. Feeling sick or being in pain can make it hard to sleep. Napping during the day can disrupt sleep at night. Some medicines can keep you awake. No matter the reason, if you don’t get a good night’s sleep, the next day you may:

Be irritable

Have memory problems or be forgetful

Feel depressed

Have more falls or accidents

Feel very sleepy during the day

Insomnia

Insomnia is the most common sleep problem in adults age 60 and older. People with insomnia have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. Insomnia can last for days, months, or even years. If you’re having trouble sleeping, you may

Take a long time to fall asleep

Wake up many times in the night

Wake up early and be unable to get back to sleep

Wake up tired

Feel very sleepy during the day

There are many causes of insomnia Some of them you can control, but other you can’t. For example, if you are excited about a new activity or worrying over your bills, you may have trouble sleeping. Sometimes insomnia may be a sign of other problems. Or, it could be a side effect of a medication or an illness.

Often, being unable to sleep becomes a habit. Some people worry about not sleeping even before they get into bed. This may even make insomnia worse.

Some older adults who have trouble sleeping may use over-the-counter sleep aids. Using prescription medicines for a short time might help. But remember, medicines aren’t a cure for insomnia. Developing healthy habits at bedtime may help you get a good night’s sleep.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is another serious sleep disorder. A person with sleep apnea has short pauses in breathing while sleeping. These pauses may happen many times during the night. If not treated, sleep apnea can lead to other problems such as high blood pressure, stroke, or memory loss.

You can have sleep apnea and not even know it. But your loud snoring and gasping for air can keep other people awake. Feeling sleepy during the day and being told you are snoring loudly at night could be signs that you have sleep apnea.

If you think you have sleep apnea, see a doctor who knows about this sleep problem. You may need to learn to sleep in a position that keeps your airways open. Sometimes a medical device called Continuous Positive Air Pressure (CPAP) a dental device, or surgery can help.

Movement Disorders

People with restless legs syndrome, or RLS, feel like there is tingling, crawling, or pins and needles in one or both legs. It’s worse at night. Moving the legs brings some relief, at least for a short time. RLS tends to run in families. See your doctor for more information about medicines to treat RLS.

Periodic limb movement disorder, or PLMD, causes people to jerk and kick their legs every 20 to 40 seconds during sleep Some people have hundreds of these movements each night, which may result in loss of sleep and feeling tired and sleepy the next day. Medication, warm baths, exercise, and learning ways to relax can help.

Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, also known as REM sleep behavior disorder, is another condition that may make it harder to get a good night’s sleep. REM sleep is the most active stage of sleep when dreaming occurs. During normal REM sleep, your muscles cannot move, so your body stays still. But if you have REM sleep behavior disorder, your muscles can move,` and your sleep is disrupted.

Alzheimer’s Disease And Sleep-A Special Problem

Alzheimer’s disease often changes a person’s sleeping habits. For example, some people with Alzheimer’s disease sleep too much; others don’t sleep enough. Some people wake up many times during the night; others wander or yell at night. The person with Alzheimer’s disease isn’t the only one who loses sleep. Caregivers may have sleepless nights, leaving them tired for the challenges they face. If you’re caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, there are steps you can take for his or her safety and that might help you sleep better at night. Try the following:

Make sure the floor is clear of objects

Lock up any medicines

Attach grab bars in the bathroom

Place a gate across the stairs

Getting A Good Night’s Sleep

Being older doesn’t mean you have to feel all the time. There are many things you can do to help you get a good night’s sleep. Here are some ideas:

Follow a regular sleep schedule. Go to sleep and get up at the same time each sleep and get up at to avoid day, even on weekends. Try to avoid napping in the late afternoon or evenings, as it may keep you you awake at night

Develop a bedtime routine. Take time to relax before bedtime each night. Some people watch television, read a book, listen to soothing music, or soak in a warm bath

Keep your bedroom dark, not too hot or too cold, and as quiet as possible

Have a comfortable mattress, a pillow you like, and enough blankets for the season

Exercise at regular times each day but not within 3 hours of your bedtime

Make an effort to get outside in the sunlight each day

Be careful about when and how much you eat. Large meals close to bedtime may keep you awake, but a light snack in the evening can help you get a good night’s sleep

Stay away from caffeine late in the day. Caffeine (found in coffee, tea, soda, and hot chocolate) can keep you awake.

Drink fewer beverages in the evening. Waking up to go to the bathroom and turning on a bright light break up your sleep.

Remember that alcohol won’t help you sleep. Even small amounts it harder to stay asleep.

Use your bedroom only for sleeping. After turning off the light, give yourself about 20 minutes to fall asleep. If you still awake and not drowsy, get out of bed. When you feel sleepy, go back to bed.

Safe Sleeping

Try to set up a safe and restful place to sleep. Make sure you have smoke alarms on each floor of your house or apartment. Lock the outside doors before going to bed. Other ideas for a safe night’s sleep are:

Keep a telephone with emergency phone numbers by your bed

Have a good lamp within reach that turns on easily

Put a glass of water next to the bed in case you wake up thirsty

Use nightlights in the bathroom and hall

Don’t smoke, especially in bed

Remove area rugs so you won’t trip if you get out of bed in the middle of the night

Don’t fall asleep with a heating pad on; it may burn

Sweet Dreams

There are some tricks to help you fall asleep. You don’t really have to count sheep-but you could try counting slowly to 100. Some people find that playing mental games makes them sleepy. For example, tell yourself it’s 5 minutes before you have to get up, and you’re just trying to get a few extra winks. Other people find that relaxing their body puts them to sleep. You might start by telling yourself that your toes feel light as feathers and then work your way up the rest of the body saying the same words. You may drift off sleep before getting to the top of your head.

If you feel tired and unable to do your activities for more than 2 or 3 weeks, you may have a sleep problem. Talk to your doctor about changes you can make to get a better night’s sleep.

]]>https://wphha.wordpress.com/2015/12/15/agepage-a-good-nights-sleep/feed/010_1wphha10_12000px-Complications_of_insomnia.svg2000px-Obstruction_ventilation_apnée_sommeil.svg5877513810_031098d631_bHospice Care: Make the Days Count!https://wphha.wordpress.com/2015/12/01/hospice-care-make-the-days-count/
https://wphha.wordpress.com/2015/12/01/hospice-care-make-the-days-count/#respondTue, 01 Dec 2015 18:54:21 +0000http://wphha.wordpress.com/?p=54Read More]]>The ways in which we experience death have been changing over the last century. The practice of end-of-life care has been influenced by the increased number of deaths occurring inside medical institutions. The percentage of deaths occurring inside US hospitals from 1949 until 1958 has increased by 10%. Backthen, hospital staff was more focused on the technical and physical aspects of care rather than about the psychological care of patients. Better conditions were in need for patients with serious illnesses and in 1963 Yale University introduced the concept of the hospice.

Today, hospice care is the compassionate service for patients with a serious illness or injury. Hospice care includes expert medical care, pain management, and emotional support for patients, their friends and families.

Since hospices were introduced in America, demand for hospice services has grown dramatically. In 2014 over 1.65 million were served by hospice. Why does this number continue to grow?

While 90% of the population does not know about this benefit, hospice care is covered under Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans.

Hospice care can be provided at the place of residency or other facilities, which makes it convenient for patients and their families.

Enhancing the patient’s quality of life and preserving the patient’s dignity is the main concern of hospice services.

Patients who have a chance to recover from a disease are also eligible for hospice care.

Hospice caregivers provide emotional support for the patients and their families.

Hospice teams consists of a number of high-skilled specialists including doctors, nurses or nurse practitioners, counselors, social workers, physical and occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, hospice aides, homemakers, and volunteers.

Is hospice service something you or your loved one might be interested in? Learn more on the WPHHA November podcast or call (412)421-0909 for more information.